EMU Cites Retirees, Gives Service Awards

Retiring faculty members Jay B. Landis and A. Clair Mellinger
Photo by Jim Bishop

The faculty and staff of Eastern Mennonite University honored two colleagues who are retiring and cited 33 others for long years of service at the school’s annual recognition dinner Tuesday evening, May 1.

Jay B. Landis, professor of English, will retire at the close of this academic year after 50 years as a teaching faculty member. During his long tenure, Dr. Landis taught speech communication, literature courses in Shakespeare, modern drama, poetry and advanced writing and general education courses and senior seminars. He served as faculty advisor to scores of undeclared majors over the years. Landis earned degrees from EMU, Case-Western Reserve University and Idaho State University.

A. Clair Mellinger, professor of biology, will retire after 37 years as a member of the science faculty. Dr. Mellinger taught botany, ecology and earth science courses and has active interests in ornithology. He was curator of the D. Ralph Hostetter Museum of Natural History from 1981 to 2005.

Landis and Mellinger received engraved plaques and their choice of a cash gift or an EMU embossed chair. They also received special tributes from their respective departments.

Thirty-year service awards were presented to: David A. (Dave) Detrow, university registrar; David P. Glanzer, professor of counseling; and Kenneth J. Nafziger, professor of music.

Donovan D. (Don) Steiner, professor of education and director of the MA in education program, was recognized for 25 years of service.

Receiving 20-year service awards were Lisa B. Crist, accounts receivable/loan manager; and Judy H. Mullett, professor of psychology and education.

Fifteen-year service awards went to: Jennifer North Bauman, assistant director of admissions and campus visit coordinator; Lowell P. Guengerich, multitradesman-painter, physical plant; Phillip N. (Phil) Helmuth, executive director of development; Stella G. Knicely, administrative secretary, physical plant; Martha A. (Marty) Snavely, receptionist and daily campus visit coordinator, admissions; and Mary S. Sprunger, professor of history.

Ten years: Michael M. (Mike) Downey, athletic trainer; Patricia S. (Patty) Eckard, office coodinator, business and economics department; Brenda C. Fairweather, administrative assistant, MA in counseling program; Chris D. Gingrich, professor of business and economics; Barrett S. (Barry) Hart, associate professor, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding; Carol S. Lown, coordinator of information and analysis, advancement division; Krista J. Martin, office assistant in the undergraduate dean's office and cross-cultural programs.

Five years: Benjamin S. (Ben) Beachy, application development manager, information systems; Cathy D. Baugh, assistant in the Historical Library, Beverly D. Delp, office coordinator, seminary; M. Alison D'Silva, media services coordinator; Christian E. Early, associate professor of Bible; Lori K. Gant, administrative assistant, the Lilly Project; Cynthia D. (Cyndi) Gusler, assistant professor of visual and communication arts; Andrew D. (Andy) Hershberger, human resources representative; Patience I. Kamau, assistant and computer systems coordinator, alumni/parent relations; Mary C. (Cammy) Lloyd, custodian services, physical plant; Mark Thiessen Nation, associate professor of theology, seminary; Byron J. Peachey, associate campus pastor; Roger W. Pultz, multitradesman-electrician, physical plant; and Cathy Smeltzer Erb, associate professor of education.

Mennonite Central Committee language assistants Leonardo Chavarria, Rachel Hannebicque, Jakob Kneisler and Roland Urquizo were also recognized during the ceremonies.

— article by: Jim Bishop; posted May 2, 2007